1969 Dodge HEMI Daytona Sells for Record Price
August 2024
In May 2022, a Dark Green 1969 Dodge HEMI Charger Daytona went under the hammer for $1.32 million, setting a new record. The benchmark has since been surpassed by a low-mileage example that sold for $1.43 million in January 2023. More than two years later, the green HEMI Daytona is once again the world's most expensive Daytona.
The muscle car just crossed the block at Mecum's Monterey 2024 auction for a sum far exceeding expectations. Specifically, it found a new owner for a whopping $3.3 million. So not only is it the most expensive 1969 Charger Daytona ever auctioned, but it also changed hands for twice the amount of the previous record holder. It's also the first Daytona to surpass both the $2-million and $3-million marks.
So, what made collectors throw high bids at this Dark Green "winged warrior?" For starters, it's a museum-grade classic that still sports most of its original components, including the sheet metal. The car looks the part inside and out and could win awards at any classic car show.
Furthermore, this 1969 Daytona is also super rare due to its drivetrain combo. Dodge produced 503 Charger Daytonas for NASCAR homologation in 1969, but only 70 were ordered with the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 engine. Of these, just 22 were also fitted with the desirable four-speed manual gearbox. This car is one of them and packs number-matching units.
A super rare rig by drivetrain specs, this Mopar is unique if we also factor in the color combo. The F8 Dark Green paint adorns a few more Daytonas, but this example is the only one with a C6G green vinyl interior. It's a genuine one-of-one classic.
But wait, that's not all. This "winged warrior" is the most highly optioned HEMI Daytona known to exist. The first owner ordered the vehicle with a long list of options, including the 4.10 Super Track Pak, P31 power windows, N51 Max Cooling Package, A01 Light Package, and color-matched stamped wheels. The Mopar also features the N85 Tic-Toc-Tach, G11 All-Tinted glass, S81 woodgrain steering wheels, C62 six-way adjustable driver's seat, and C55 headrest bucket seats.
In addition to setting a record for Dodge Charger Daytonas, this Mopar is also the most expensive "winged warrior" out there as of this writing. The previous record was held by a 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird that changed hands for $1.65 million in 2022.
The HEMI Daytona was auctioned off alongside four other high-profile classics from The Nevada Collection. A 1970 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda Convertible, one of only 14 made, rolled off the stage with a high bid of $2 million. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a one-of-one vehicle by color combo, got a high bid of $1.7 million. A V-code 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda sold for $390,500, while a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (one of 199 made) went under the hammer for $522,500.
The green Daytona was the second most expensive classic auctioned off at the event. The most expensive vehicle, a 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight (one of 10 built), sold for $7.86 million.
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Not everyone's cup of tea, but it's among mine. Along with having owned several Harleys (that I wish I still had - the 1973 FXE especially) we have a 1988 Pontiac Trans-AM. Although entirely stock, low K's and in mint condition, it's not going to fetch anything like this monster car - more like about $17,000 CDN - too many around and it's not a GT.
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And our TRANS-AM...it roars, awesome drive.
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